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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 30, 2022
By Jim McCarthy and Mandy Miles
A LOOK AT CAMPAIGN FINANCE$ THU$ FAR REPUBLICAN STATE REP. CANDIDATES AHEAD IN FUNDRAISING
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ampaign signs are popping up everywhere and glossy postcards are filling mailboxes. In the race to represent District 120 in the Florida House of Representatives, two Republican candidates, including the incumbent, are leading the fundraising efforts. With more than $201,000 in his campaign coffers, Republican State Rep. Jim Mooney, who is seeking reelection to his second term as state representative for the Keys and a portion of south MiamiDade County, has outraised all other candidates, including Republican challenger Rhonda Rebman Lopez, who has brought in $85,000 since entering the race in April. Mooney’s fundraising efforts, however, began in November 2021, according to state election documents. Campaign finance records show monetary contributions totaling just over $138,000 since last September for Mooney. He secured the Republican nod following a slim victory in the 2020 primary and a win over Democrat Clint Barras in the 2020 general election. Since April, Mooney’s campaign has received a little more than $90,000 in contributions thanks to two Florida Republican groups. The Florida House Republican Campaign Committee poured $56,000 into Mooney’s campaign in April. And close to $41,000 was given to his campaign by the Republican Party of Florida since May.
The Florida House Republican Committee has spent more than $255,000 dating back to last fall on various campaigns through direct donations, mailers and advertisements. The Republican Party of Florida has expended more than $10 million since last fall. Mooney’s campaign has also received contributions from local businesses including Wahoo’s, Robbie’s Marine Enterprises, Theater of the Sea and The Caribbean Resort, all in Islamorada. Mooney has the backing of Republican leadership in the House, with endorsements from Paul Renner, Florida House speaker for 2022; Rep. Danny Perez, of Miami, who will serve as speaker following the 2024 election; and Rep. Sam Garrison, of Clay County, who will be speaker at the conclusion of the 2026 general election. “Certainly, having the speaker of the house and house Republican leadership behind me says a lot,” he said. “That means a lot to me and it should mean a lot to the people of the district who understand that politics are not cut and dry.” Mooney paid $1,781.82 in order to qualify and appear on the ballot for the Aug. 23 primary. Republican challenger Rhonda Rebman Lopez, who finished second to Mooney by 148 votes in a three-way race in the 2020 primary, has secured $85,520 in campaign contributions since April. Rebman Lopez has received a number of donations from Key Largo residents, as well as businesses like United Nursery LLC in Homestead, Concrete Construction in Key Largo and Ocean Reef Dive Shop.
Citing the need for active leadership in District 120, she announced her candidacy on April 1. So far, Rebman Lopez’s campaign has spent $32,558. She’s director of international marketing for PECO International, a 67-year-old family business in Miami-Dade County. In January, she was appointed to the Florida Advisory Council on Small and Minority Business Development. Rebman Lopez’s platform includes supporting parental rights when it comes to education, ensuring funds for Monroe and southern Dade counties, safeguarding the Second Amendment and defending Florida’s agriculture industry, among others. “I’m the hardest worker, the most visible, the easiest to get in touch with and have the most tenacity and energy,” Rebman Lopez told the Weekly earlier in the month. “I will represent the entire House district.” Rebman Lopez’s campaign has received 82 campaign contributions from individuals and groups since May. Rebman Lopez secured enough signed petitions to qualify for the race. Rebman Lopez has secured an endorsement from the Republican Liberty Caucus of Florida. She said she continues to listen to the district’s needs and intends on delivering on those needs if elected.
